The Kingsguard

[Gandalfus]

Protecting the king and the royal family is an elite cadre called the Kingsguard. First founded by Aegon the Conqueror, their storied ranks have included great heroes and dastardly villains, but most have been men of honour. The members of the Kingsguard are often referred to as the White Swords or “white cloaks,” and they reside in White Sword Tower in the Red Keep.

The Kingsguard stands as a shining symbol of honour throughout the Seven Kingdoms; its members, of which there are only seven at a time, are each paragons of courage, discipline, and skill. To join the White Swords, a knight must be selected by the king, and then the candidate must stand a vigil, speak his vows, and swear to have no wives or children. To be a member of the Kingsguard is to be a member for life and have the right to bear the pure white, unmarked shield of their order.

Leading these great knights is the Lord Commander, who also holds a seat on the small council. It is his duty to maintain the knights, to command them, to see to their ongoing training, and discipline them when they falter. The Lord Commander also maintains the records of their deeds in a great tome called the White Book, which is held in the White Tower at King’s Landing.

The Kingsguard has accompanied the kings, queens, and children of the royal family since its creation. They serve their charges silently, and their discretion is as important as their martial skills.

This is where the Members of the Kingsguard can converse amongst eachother in absolute privacy.

Also the King can come and request members of the Kingsguard be set to certain tasks or missions at his behest.

The Book of Brothers-The White book

Lord Commander: Vacant Members: Ser Pious Goldenwood Ser Bernard Lorch Ser Lucas Tyrell Ser Edfrey Tully Vacant Ser Merryn Tarly. The White Book holds the tales of the brave and noble men who have served the kings of Westeros.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Sers Pious Goldenwood and Bernard Lorch recline at the table in the common room late one night, a tall mug of ale at their elbows. Pious had an elaborate, silver inlaid knife in his hands, he polished it absent-mindedly in the hazy gloom of the late evening. Bernard simply sat reclined, his arms folded across his waist, in danger of falling asleep. At length, Pious reached for his mug and took a long draught. Wiping his mouth and belching, he turned to his comrade who was quite drowsy at this point

"Did you ever get to the blacksmith today?"

Bernard snapped back into his senses with a start. He gave a heavy yawn and waved his hand casually

"That Donald is a cheat, his prices are far too high. I have no intention of being robbed. The old sword will have to do for now."

Pious chuckled slightly, then put his booted feet back on the ground.

"Didn't I tell you as much? We're paid far too little for you to go wanting a new weapon every year or two. Until its dinted beyond repair don't bother with it. My sword's older than you and it still cuts just fine. Don't worry so much about what you look like, so long as His Grace remains safe, thank the Seven you have a sword to wield at all in the name of the King."

Bernard snorted and gave his ale some attention. It was running low, but he sipped on the dregs.

"Which has night duty? We should keep a pint handy for his return...."

[M. Laveur]

Ser Lucas walked into the room, tired of his day around the Throne room with the Lords, and then taking his brother around the Red Keep.

"Night," he said to his companions, who were to used to each other to care for courtesies.

"Have some ale to share?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Pious began filling a flagon for his comrade,

"Well, how did it go? I was lucky enough to be relieved in the morning, but we received news that many lords have been in and out all day. His Grace seemed a bit exhausted of it. many new appointments..."

Pious slid the mug down the table to Lucas

[M. Laveur]

"Aye. Lords from Bear Island to Oldtown, more sigils than I had ever seen. Some went in as groups, but the most important always came in one by one. That made it so much longer, and I wager it will be the same all week. Still, I suppose it was productive, His Grace has a new Master of Coin, Whispers and Laws. Might be tomorrow he'll have a new Hand as well. Then the real work begins..."

Ser Lucas took a mouthful of ale, enjoying it all the way as it went down his throat and into his belly.

[Pontifex Maximus]

As Pious took a long drink, Bernard gave a low grunt of approval before weighing in

"I have little trust of the Starks. These northmen wear their hearts on their sleeves and lack a certain elegance of speech. It is my hope the King will see through their ambition. Men of the Westerlands or the south belong in the capitol. The King should surround himself with such competent men."

Pious retorted, a grin on his face

"You spend too much time readong books, Bern, when you should be drilling. Leave such worrying to the statesmen. I, for one, do not fear the North, so let them howl. If they cause any trouble we'll make them miss those frozen wastelands of theirs. I wouldn't mind having a tilt with one of those Boltons. They all look as if winter's breath has left them frail and sickly, it would be a wonder if they could stay in the saddle."

Bernard slapped Pious playfully on the back of the head

"If it's a fight you want, we can cross swords tomorrow in the yard, give the stableboys something to break up the monotony of their day. What about you, Ser? Any impressions of the Lords thus far? Was it not your Lord Father I espied in court today?"

[Gandalfus]

Aemon arrives, looking quite forlorn. He takes a seat near his brothers and sips upon a mug of mead.

[M. Laveur]

Lucas continued speaking, pausing only to welcome the Lord Commander into the room.

"My Lord brother," he corrected, "and my two nephews. Can't complain about having to see them today, it had been almost 6 years since I last saw them. The King has seen it fit to name my brother Master of Laws, so we'll probably be seeing a lot of him from now on, which, to tell the truth, might be too much for me..."

"AS for the Northerners, I suppose I agree with you, Bernard. The North has a wall to protect, wildlings to slay and harsh winters to prepare for. They should let the South deal with the courts and management of the Kingdom."

[Gandalfus]

Aegon keeps his thoughts to himself.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Ah, of course. It seems the years have been kinder to you, and I am in need of reviewing my histories of the Lordly families."

Pious stood to greet Prince Aemon

"And now we are joined by our brave Lord Commander, fresh from the Red Keep. How do you fare, my Lord? What are your opinions on the appointments?"

[Gandalfus]

Aemon smiles.
I have been better, Ser Pious. But of course, it is not my place to judge the Kings judgement. Although I think he has appointed competent men to the positions. like our Lord of Lannister is now the Hand.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Both men nodded approvingly.

"We were just discussing the merits of the Lords of Lannister. They appear to be very competent, and I am confident that Lord Tytos will make a good hand. It is my hope that these Boltons will prove themselves useful to the king. I dislike those northmen, their manners are strange as are their gods. There's something queer about them, and that isn't even taking into account their sigil."

Pious once again took his seat.

"Ever the politician, Ser Lorch. Perhaps we can find you a seat on the small council! Don't you have enough to worry about?"

[Gandalfus]

Aemon nodded.
I think the king chose the Boltons due to their dubious reputation. Men of intrigue are useful to the king, it seems.

[M. Laveur]

"Ever the politician, Ser Lorch. Perhaps we can find you a seat on the small council! Don't you have enough to worry about?"

"It's just the Andal blood speaking, Pious. We all have it, and these northeners have the First Men's. It's only natural that we find them queer, and for them to wish to come back and take a place in land that was once theirs."

Ser Lucas finished the ale in his mug with one long drink.

[Gandalfus]

Aemon nodded.
And I have the blood of Valyria, so no doubt none of you understand us.
Aemon laughed.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Bernard remained stoic, but Pious laughed heartily.

"The Royal House Targaryen is ever a mystery to me, Brother. Fortunately I do not have to understand it in order to serve it faithfully, that has what the past ten years have shown me! We are fortunate that His Grace is popular among his subjects, or if not popular, feared. Men respect that. It has made our job a lot easier, at least, though I am aching for a contest."

[Gandalfus]

Aemon chuckled
Perhaps we should spar brother. It would hone each others skills.

[M. Laveur]

"Well that sounds interesting," said Ser Lucas, always happy to see two master swordsmen test each other. "Ten dragons on Ser Bernard."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Pious clapped Bernard on the back and spoke

"Well, well! Seems Ser Lucas has opted to wager against the odds, eh Ser Lorch?"

Bernard turned his gaze to his Sworn Brothers and continued

"Is there not to be a tourney to celebrate the new appointments? As always it will be a pleasure to cross swords with the Lord Commander in the practice field. Perhaps the entirety of the Kingsguard could participate in an informal spar to not only demonstrate its collective martial prowess, but for the entertainment of the guests of the King. It would send a clear political message, if nothing else."

[Gandalfus]

Aemon nodded, taking his hand off Dark sister.
I believe the king will organise a tourney soon.